Question: What did Jesus mean when He said, “Take up your cross and follow Me”?
From: GotQuestions

Note - I added the scriptures from the KJV

Answer: Let’s begin with what Jesus didn’t mean. Many people interpret “cross” as some burden they must carry in their Christian lives: a strained relationship, a thankless job, a physical illness. With self-pitying pride, they say, “That’s my cross I have to carry.” Such an interpretation is not what Jesus meant when He said, “Take up your cross and follow Me.”

When Jesus carried His cross up Golgotha to be crucified, no one was thinking of the cross as symbolic of a burden to carry. To a person in the first-century, the cross meant one thing and one thing only: death by the most painful and humiliating means human beings could develop.

2,000 years later, Christians view the cross as a cherished symbol of atonement, forgiveness, grace, and love. But in Jesus’ day, the cross represented nothing but torturous death. Because the Romans forced convicted criminals to carry their own cross to the place of crucifixion, bearing a cross meant carrying their own execution device while facing ridicule along the way to death.

Therefore, “Take up your cross and follow Me” means willingness to die in order to follow Jesus. It’s a call to absolute surrender. After each time Jesus commanded cross bearing, He said, “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of Me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels” (Luke 9:24-26).

Luk 9:24-26 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.

Although the call is tough, the reward is matchless.

Wherever Jesus went, He drew crowds. Although these multitudes often followed Him as Messiah, their view of the Messiah was distorted. They thought the Christ would usher in the restored kingdom. They believed He would free them from the oppressive rule of their Roman occupiers. Even Christ’s own inner circle of disciples thought the kingdom was coming soon (Luke 19:11).

Luk 19:11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.

When Jesus began teaching that He was going to die at the hands of the Jewish leaders and their Gentile overlords (Luke 9:22),

Luk 9:22 Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.

His popularity sunk. Many of the shocked followers rejected Him.

Joh 6:60 Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it

Following Jesus is easy when life runs smoothly; our true commitment to Him is revealed during trials. Jesus assured that trials will come to His followers (John 16:33).

Joh 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Discipleship demands sacrifice, and Jesus never hid that cost.

In Luke 9:57-62, three people seemed willing to follow Jesus. When Jesus questioned them further, their commitment was half-hearted at best. They failed to count the cost of following Jesus. None was willing to take up his cross.

Luk 9:57-62 And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

Therefore, Jesus appeared to dissuade them. How different from the typical Gospel presentation! How many people would respond to an altar call that went, “Come follow Jesus, and you may face the loss of friends, family, reputation, career, and possibly even your life”? False converts would likely decrease! Such a call is what Jesus meant when He said, “Take up your cross and follow Me.”

If you wonder if you are ready to take up your cross, consider these questions:

• Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means losing some of your closest friends?
• Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means alienation from your family?
• Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means the loss of your reputation?
• Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means losing your job?
• Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means losing your life?

At some places in the world, these consequences are reality. But notice the questions are phrased, “Are you willing?” Following Jesus doesn’t necessarily mean all these things will happen to you, but will you take up your cross? If there comes a point in your life where you are faced with a choice—Jesus or the comforts of this life—which will you choose?

Commitment to Christ means to take up your cross daily, giving up your hopes, dreams, possessions, even your very life if need be for the cause of Christ. Only if you willingly take up your cross may you be called His disciple
(Luke 14:27). The reward is worth the price. Jesus followed His call of death to self (“Take up your cross and follow Me”) with the gift of life in Christ: "For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matthew 16:25-26).

Of course the LORD was not able in HIS flesh to carry , HIs cross. They had another do that.
As HE suffered so greatly in HIS flesh, He was not able!

But, To follow our LORD is to put ourselves aside!
And to make HIm , The center of our lives here on earth!

We will be rejected and mistreated for HIS sake!

In the end? We will be Blessed and receive a crown !

But, You have many good points in your post , we will should live by!

I find? We are not always willing to be led or taught or even listen to the HOLY GHOST in our lives!

I to have been guilty of this!

If we did? Then we would live the type of life , Our LORD did!
And know the understanding of scriptures very well!


Mat 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.


Rev 3:11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

Sometimes? We do not think we are much , we see ourselves weak and failing!
But, In Our FATHERS eyes ? He sees our end and sees us as HIS little childern , Perfect and LOVES us VERY much!


Our FATHER looks at us though eternal eyes!
HE sees what we will be in the KINGDOM!

This post hurts,because It rings as truth,ouch!
Thank you word of life for that meaty presentation.

and thank you spirit1st for that water/word to help digest that meal.

I would like to offer a refreshment for dessert:
Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Jesus endured it "for the joy set before him".
We need that same joy he had to fulfill another scripture:
Matthew 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

How do we get joy?
Jesus said "in the world you shall have tribulation,but be of good cheer because I have overcome the world".
Tribulation and good cheer at the same time.

James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
Apparently Joy has a pattern,it starts with pain.
The end of the pattern is that God is Glorified when you ask and receive so that your joy may be full.
John 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

When the disciples asked Jesus why a man was born blind they asked "was it his sin or his parents sin". Jesus answered,neither,but that the Glory of God might be known.That is the only reason these things happen is that there is a potential for God's mercy and glory to be known.

God's plan is to be glorified by his son.
John 12:28 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.
God's name will be glorified in you and by you if you believe that he sent his son and his sons work actually worked.
John 16:24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.


Romans 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

If we believe all things work together for good then we by default overcome evil with good.And if we overcome evil with good then there can't be anymore evil and that cross gets a little lighter.
Peace

Originally Posted by Word of Life

Question: What did Jesus mean when He said, “Take up your cross and follow Me”?
From: GotQuestions

Note - I added the scriptures from the KJV

Answer: Let’s begin with what Jesus didn’t mean. Many people interpret “cross” as some burden they must carry in their Christian lives: a strained relationship, a thankless job, a physical illness. With self-pitying pride, they say, “That’s my cross I have to carry.” Such an interpretation is not what Jesus meant when He said, “Take up your cross and follow Me.”

When Jesus carried His cross up Golgotha to be crucified, no one was thinking of the cross as symbolic of a burden to carry. To a person in the first-century, the cross meant one thing and one thing only: death by the most painful and humiliating means human beings could develop.

2,000 years later, Christians view the cross as a cherished symbol of atonement, forgiveness, grace, and love. But in Jesus’ day, the cross represented nothing but torturous death. Because the Romans forced convicted criminals to carry their own cross to the place of crucifixion, bearing a cross meant carrying their own execution device while facing ridicule along the way to death.

Therefore, “Take up your cross and follow Me” means willingness to die in order to follow Jesus. It’s a call to absolute surrender. After each time Jesus commanded cross bearing, He said, “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of Me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels” (Luke 9:24-26).

Luk 9:24-26 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.

Although the call is tough, the reward is matchless.

Wherever Jesus went, He drew crowds. Although these multitudes often followed Him as Messiah, their view of the Messiah was distorted. They thought the Christ would usher in the restored kingdom. They believed He would free them from the oppressive rule of their Roman occupiers. Even Christ’s own inner circle of disciples thought the kingdom was coming soon (Luke 19:11).

Luk 19:11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.

When Jesus began teaching that He was going to die at the hands of the Jewish leaders and their Gentile overlords (Luke 9:22),

Luk 9:22 Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.

His popularity sunk. Many of the shocked followers rejected Him.

Joh 6:60 Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it

Following Jesus is easy when life runs smoothly; our true commitment to Him is revealed during trials. Jesus assured that trials will come to His followers (John 16:33).

Joh 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Discipleship demands sacrifice, and Jesus never hid that cost.

In Luke 9:57-62, three people seemed willing to follow Jesus. When Jesus questioned them further, their commitment was half-hearted at best. They failed to count the cost of following Jesus. None was willing to take up his cross.

Luk 9:57-62 And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

Therefore, Jesus appeared to dissuade them. How different from the typical Gospel presentation! How many people would respond to an altar call that went, “Come follow Jesus, and you may face the loss of friends, family, reputation, career, and possibly even your life”? False converts would likely decrease! Such a call is what Jesus meant when He said, “Take up your cross and follow Me.”

If you wonder if you are ready to take up your cross, consider these questions:

• Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means losing some of your closest friends?
• Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means alienation from your family?
• Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means the loss of your reputation?
• Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means losing your job?
• Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means losing your life?

At some places in the world, these consequences are reality. But notice the questions are phrased, “Are you willing?” Following Jesus doesn’t necessarily mean all these things will happen to you, but will you take up your cross? If there comes a point in your life where you are faced with a choice—Jesus or the comforts of this life—which will you choose?

Commitment to Christ means to take up your cross daily, giving up your hopes, dreams, possessions, even your very life if need be for the cause of Christ. Only if you willingly take up your cross may you be called His disciple
(Luke 14:27). The reward is worth the price. Jesus followed His call of death to self (“Take up your cross and follow Me”) with the gift of life in Christ: "For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matthew 16:25-26).

It is an interesting article and good, so far as it goes. It does not go into detail just what our 'cross' is though.
Yes! Its a willingness to put HIM before our life. Yes its a complete laying down of our lives to follow HIM. Yes we will suffer tribulation (funny sad how much of this tribulation is delivered by other 'believers')
JESUS said to "
Matthew 11:28-30 (King James Version)


²⁸Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
²⁹Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
³⁰For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.


If you will notice...the word light most times in the WORD means 'a revelation of GOD'


My burden is 'a revelation of GOD' This is what we are to be in this world. People should be able to look at us and see JESUS!! People should run up to us, fall on their knees and ask "Sir/ Ma'am What must I do to be saved?" Why does this not happen? We are not carrying our cross. We're dragging it around like the velveteen rabbit.


"

• Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means losing some of your closest friends?
• Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means alienation from your family?
• Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means the loss of your reputation?
• Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means losing your job?
• Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means losing your life?"

I've lost family, friends, jobs, reputation because I follow JESUS and really, its no big deal. I still have my life. I haven't lost that, but if you take on the burden of living for HIM you must learn to walk in LOVE, and family, that is the hardest work you ever will do! Its a burden such as you have not dreamed!
It's really difficult to go against all your instinct, life training, and human nature to smile and do love for somebody who insults you, or rips you off, or some other nasty. Your wife or husband or sister or brother... gets in your face, screaming and accusing, and you smile and just love them. Try it next time, as you want to tear their face off. It is doable. JESUS did not say it was easy. HE just said 'Do it"

The ones you love most in your life will be the ones who polish you best. It's not easy to be 'a revelation of GOD in the face of the hurt loved ones can cause you.

Whatchatink?

Joh_10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

He gives us a New spirit,then wants us walking and living thur it!

Rom_8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Rom_8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Gal_5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Gal_5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.


that why we Need to fast from time to time to be more spiritualy minded!


Rom_1:9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son

Originally Posted by spirit1st

Joh_10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

He gives us a New spirit,then wants us walking and living thur it!

Rom_8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Rom_8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Gal_5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Gal_5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.


that why we Need to fast from time to time to be more spiritualy minded!


Rom_1:9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son

Fasting without being called to do it is self works. Its a total waste of time other than practicing self discipline.

We don't do anything we don't we don't see the FATHER do. Right?

Mat_4:2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
Act_13:2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
Act_13:3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.


Mar_2:20 But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.


Act_14:23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.


1Co_7:5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.



Isa 58:6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?


Isa 58:8 Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward.

Isa 58:9 Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am

Originally Posted by spirit1st

Mat_4:2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
Act_13:2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
Act_13:3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.


Mar_2:20 But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.


Act_14:23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.


1Co_7:5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.



Isa 58:6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?


Isa 58:8 Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward.

Isa 58:9 Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am

Understand my friend, I'm not saying fasting is wrong. Fasting is a good thing. I'm merely saying that one should fast when GOD calls him/her to fast. To do otherwise is a waste of effort.

Merely my opinion, which opinion only means something to me , not necessarily to others. If JESUS did only what HE saw the FATHER do, only said what the FATHER said, why would we do otherwise?

I looked in the bible for how often Jesus fasted. Hey!! I can onlly find one time HE fasted. HE taught on three occasions about fasting. My question.....Were there times JESUS fasted that I missed?

JESUS did fast! No doubt about it! He the example! The bible says so much could be written that is not! He could not tell everything He did! The bible would be so big we could not carry it! and the Holy ghost does not tell us to read the bible . go to church or any other certain works! We know the bible tells us to !

The question becomes? do we hear HIS voice? If not the problem is with us! Joh_10:27 My‡† sheep hear my‡† voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

Very simple! How can we be led by the HOLY GHOST if we do not hear Him?
God does not force us to do anything! We must want to obey the scriptures!


Joh_21:25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.

God told us in scriptures what we need to know! Plus we have His Spirit to ask and learn more ! I have asked Him lots of stuff not written !


I asked Him once? How is it possible our flesh mind dies and all the things in it are gone? What does the spirit with its mind take with it to heaven?
He said Everything we did out of pure love only! That is why we remember our Moms and Dads !All the evil bad thoughts are gone Forever more !


Rev_7:17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
Rev_21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.


He also told me once! If a man would do three things,HE would take care of everything else in that mans life!
1- take family to church
2- get down on your knees and pray with family
3-read the bible with family!

Listen if we can HEAR THE LORD? We can always ask Him are these things truth or Not?
The HOLY GHOST waits 24/7 for us to ASK! He will reveal anything our minds are ready to accept as Truth! There is nothing of earth or Heaven He does not know! He wants to teach us Everything,Just as He taught our LORD JESUS!
if we were All taught by the Holy Ghost ? There would be no divisions1 We would all be in unity for our LORD! As it is today? Many are praying different prayers! They are not together on there desires ! But our spirit is in unity for the LORD and How much we walk and live in it will be how much we appear as our LORD! His church [Our spirit] has No flaws! All our problems are in our flesh mind! where the battle is!

The flesh mind is the battle field !
But , Even if we appear Not to be over comers or More than conquerors in our flesh mind and body? Praise GOD ,He already has Declared us More than conquerors , true Over Comers! Thank you LORD JESUS!



1Jn_4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

Rom_8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

Rom_7:22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
2Co_4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

This should lift all of us up! Knowing He already Won the war for us!No matter how we mess up ! We can truly Worship and thank HIM!Knowing He has Done It all for us! Thank YOU LORD JESUS forever More !
We will give the glory to JESUS and tell of HIS LOVE!

I have Won the Victory Because of HIM !